The "brush dance" synonymous with the late Irish dancer Ms Margaret Brohan was performed by her former dance partner at a moving funeral Mass in Clooney church, Co Clare, yesterday. Gordon Deegan reports.
Parish priest Father Séamus Power said Mr Peter Hanrahan's performance at the end of the Mass would remind mourners "of the bounce and happiness Margaret brought to everyone's life".
Ms Brohan was killed in the US in a road accident last Wednesday while touring with a dance troupe Rhythm of the Dance. World-renowned performer Michael Flatley sent flowers to her funeral.
Hundreds of mourners from Clooney and surrounding parishes were unable to enter the church due to the crowds inside.
In his tribute, Ms Brohan's cousin, Mr Michael Brohan, described her "as a beautiful girl who was full of the joys of life".
Her mother, Bridie, also spoke to mourners, thanking her daughter for 19 wonderful years, while Margaret's younger sister, Claire, read a poem which she wrote herself celebrating her late sister's life and achievements.
Ms Brohan is survived by her parents, Seán and Bridie, and sisters Marie and Claire. She was buried yesterday at St Michael's cemetery, Ballyduff, Co Waterford.
A second Irish person injured in the same road traffic accident, Mr Colin O'Halloran (22), from Ballynacally, Co Clare, remains in hospital in Pennsylvania recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.